Bradford City manager Derek Adams kept his thoughts to himself, after the FA announced that the first round tie must be replayed.
City’s Emirates FA Cup replay with Exeter City is set to be re-played after the Grecians were afforded six substitutions – one more than the allotted five.
The FA’s investigation into the blunder concluded that the officials on duty for the match were at fault and have subsequently ordered the replay to be re-played.
The hosts for the evening, Exeter City, were allowed to field a sixth substitute in the first minute of extra-time with the scores at 0-0, as Josh Key joined the game in place of Samuel Nombe.
How did this happen?
Josh Key’s 91st-minute introduction proved to be pivotal, as his side scored three goals after he entered the field of play.
The FA referred the matter to the Professional Games Board (PGB) who agreed the match should be considered null-and-void, forcing the Bantams to make the 562-mile round trip to play the game again despite being the only innocent party in the matter.
Adams was not willing to comment on the situation as his disappointment was palpable. The Scot has picked up three yellow cards in his last four matches and did not feel it was appropriate to give his verdict due to concerns about any disciplinary action.
He said: “I think it is wise for me as Bradford City Football Club manager to keep my own counsel.
“There might be a day when I do speak about it but today it is important that I control myself and act in a way that represents this football club.”
The re-replay adds to an already hectic schedule for City, who will have made the long trip to Devonshire three times in three months after the fixture.
